The marriage (III)

"A happy marriage is the union of two good forgivers."

Robert Quillen

Inner turmoil

The expectations in their eyes weighed heavily on her shoulders. The faces of the people were blurry. The obligation to bear an heir. That was the sole purpose of the women in Kouka.

No. Not all.

There were and are extraordinary women who still tried...who still meddled in the affairs of a world that hindered them and tried to force them into a submissive role.

His hand was warm. He still held her hand and pressed his thumb lightly against her palm as if to remind her...that she was not alone...or that he chose her for a purpose of his own?

Was she merely a means to achieve his goals?

A thought crossed her mind.

Was she doing the same thing? A child. Was he merely the „father"...No..Was he merely the replacement for the man that had failed to be a lover...failed to a father...failed to be her husband?

She felt cold when she thought about it. So cold.

You don t follow your own advice, do you?," he whispered. She could have sworn that…

His eyes were on her. Just occasionally, but he looked at her. It was a strange feeling. Her heart beat a little harder in her chest. Lily was a little afraid to listen to that rhythm…

His eyes seemed to laugh...Did he still consider her funny right now? Or?...Or...that frightened her for a reason she couldn t grasp herself.

What do you mean?" , she whispered.

It was hard to hear her own words when her heart was so loud.

You told me not to worry myself to death...Right now it seems that you will trip any minute."

It s natural to be „excited" if you have that many eyes that lie on you, your Majesty,"she retorted.

And I thought that you were more courageous?," he whispered…

A thick lump made it hard to breath...She wished to tell him loud and clearly what she thought about it...That was not fair! She tried! She was so mad about it...It was even worse that he was…

He was right.

The energy that her anger had given her, was still in her. She could feel how she walked taller than a moment ago. As if she would give up! As if she would give in!

She shot him a certain glare. This person! He smiled at her...so narurally as if she had complimented him.

Better," he mumbled. It was so low that she had barely missed it.

She could feel like his grip on her hand became tighter. Just for a moment unitl he relaxed his hand again.

Unfortunately that reminded her again...about that frightening thing...her heart was palpitating a little faster, a little harder.

His smile made her shudder..It was a feeling between excitement and anxiety.

It was better not to look right now.

The faces that had just been a blurry mass, became clearer again. Some looked curiously at her as if she was a wild, rare animal. The silence felt even unreal. So many people but nobody dared to even utter a word?

There were a few women who were not pleased! It seemed that she was the objective of a quite a lot nasty looks. Lily could not say that she was sorry for taking this place. At least she didn t pity those women in the least. She had chosen it. It would be not right to feel guilty now.

And of course…There was…

When they stood in front of the stairs, she recognized the single person standing at the top. His golden garments reflected the light of the sun that reached barely so high to encircle this person. His wild mane was blowing in the wind.

Did he smile? Lily somehow had the premonition that this person laughed right now. That was not surprising at all. After all this person usually wore a cheerful expression.

I wonder, why you have chosen him of all people?", she whispered, asking curiously in a low voice, however, she didn t dare to look at him.

I owe him," was his answer, " My life".

Surprised she turned her head and stopped and his hand slipped out of her grasp.

She could hear the murmur in her back rising, but that response truly perplexed her. Why hadn t she ever heard of it?

How?", she asked.

One of his eyebrows rose.

Is now the perfect time to discuss this?"

She nodded.

You re right. Not right now. But that really interests me."

„Understandable," he commented with a smile that was somehow hurtful to look at.

Without thinking further about it, she took his hand and pressed it lightly.

Time to climb the stairs," she said, knowing how unnecessary that comment was, but she had no clue what else she could have said.

Right," he said.

Instead of actually doing what they had decided, this person still stood there a while longer.

There is something I wanted to say...", he said.

„What?", she whispered. Somehow the atmosphere felt tense.

Thank you."

She was taken aback.

For what?"

The glance that met hers. His eyes seemed to be so kind...Truly nice.

This time it was not just politeness. Lily had the feeling that this guy could throw around pleasant words like a rich merchant his money, so this was actually rather new to her.

Hey are you guys done staring in each others eyes now?", shouted a young voice to an extent that let Lilie s ears ringing.

Two blue eyes were directed at them. A broad grin on his face.

The supposed „priest" alias Zeno crouched down, resting his chin in the palm of his hands.

Lily stared at him.

So that didn t seem to startle this person in the least.

With a big smile on his face he stood up, took Lily s left hand and Soo Won s right in his hands and pulled slightly at them.

Come on! We have to hurry! The people are waiting and are all excited!"

„Is that some kind of joke", she asked Soo Won, but Zeno answered: „ Not at all your Majesty! A priest has to ensure that the two lovely birds don t run away and enlope."

In the middle of the stairs he let go of their hands and ran to the top, turning around and smiling broadly at them, when they both appeared just a moment later. They both had accelerated their steps automatically.

Even though they steps had quickened their hands were still interwhined. Lily had to surpress the urge to gasp for air.

The person beside her had quite the quick pace.

Soo Won smiled at her. Weird. This person was just weird. Smiling so often at her today. Though her reactions weren t normal either.

That was a nice run, wasn t it?", Zeno asked in a low voice, louder he said:

Today a new bond is forged.

Between the King of Kouka and the Daughter of the Water Tribe.

See and listen what they have to say"

This was their sign.

Soo Won and Lily turned to each other simultaneously, showing Zeno and the crowd their profils. Their eyes were closed. Standing at least three grown-up man apart of each other, so that their hands would barely reach the other.

The whole marriage was a spectacle. A great occurence in Kouka. The people of this country had a right to experience the „forming of the bond" that will decide their future.

The celebration is supposed to satisfy their „graving for a light event, for security and their wish to be more...to be part of a great entity..."

An abstract and bizarre explanation, however, she understood it. When she thought of Yona and her friends...when Lily thought of her tribe...it was as if her life had a purpose...a direction she wanted to lead it…."Maybe be part of a great entity" could be explained like this.

That Girl...Eun-Mi...and maybe many more had already accepted her as the Queen of Kouka!

Breath in ...and out.

Her eyes opened, meeting his glance.

I swear to try to be good husband and King," Soo Won declared. He was the King of Kouka, so he was the one to take the first step. Originally he should have waited with Zeno but strangely he had wished to accompany her.

Their texte was rather old-fashioned and short.

I swear to try to be a good wife and Queen," was her response. Her words were resonating in her ears.

It was no wonder. There was not even a little bit of romance in that old tradition. Just formal words and wishful thinking.

Though there was one part that could be considered to be romantic. The next part.

This part made her heart race. It palpitated in her chest at an abnormal speed. She whould have nearly missed the next words of the priest.

Zeno took her hand and outstretched it. Her palm was gracing the heavens. Then the priest was supposed to take the hand of the King and place it above hers, though both hands are not supposed to touch.

This part was the symbol of „the creation of the bond". Soo Won s hand was floating above hers. She could feel his warmth, when both hands finally met.

The next part instirred ghoosebumps on her arms. Her whole body felt sensible, when Soo Won s hand slowly slided up on the inner part of her arm, the same way her hand moved up his arm. Their clothes had been slipped and exposed a good portion of their arms, though the rest was still under the clothing.

She thought that she could feel a faint throbbing of the blood that rushed through his veins. That meant that person was just as nervous. Anybody would have this nervous reaction if you consider that they had to perform in front of the eyes of so many people.

Lily was grateful that they were so high above and that the crowd was only able to have a blurry image of that tradition. It was already hard to bear with a person that you loved, but it was even more stressing with a person that you didn t know that well...Doing this with a stranger…

Though Soo Won was not just a stranger...When her hands reached the pit of his arm, there were their joints of their elbows were located, she could feel it. His pulse vibrating through his body.

Her heart was nearly leaping out of her body. At least she felt like this. It beat so hard in her chest that she had trouble properly concentrating. It was just supposed to be a simple gesture. But it was so much harder high above the ground, facing the person you were supposed to be united with in „body and soul."

Her eyes met his. They were wide and she might have just imagined it, but it seemed as if he was just as afraid. As if he was just the same as her.

Maybe it was due to that impression that Lily moved first, when she was supposed to be the one to wait and „receive".

It was the duty of the women. Above else the one true task of the Queen. To receive the royal seed.

Lily moved her left arm, the one that was hidden by her dress, approaching Soo Won. In the next moment Soo Won already understood that she had taken initiative before him. He moved swiftly and placed his left arm, the one that would be seen by everybody at her shoulder, drawing her closer.

Her hand had reached his shoulder and rested there.

So they faced each other. Her heart was beating like a drum in her ears. She couldn t read in his eyes. He looked somewhere else. Not at her.

Please! Just look at me. This whole situation is so hard to bear.

It would be merely a small prushing of the lips. Nothing more. But it was still strange with that many eyes on them.

Slowly Soo Won drew her even tighter.

She had to wait. This time she couldn t rush like the last time. Her lips felt tingly, oversensitive. Soo Won approached her so slowly like he wanted to ensure 200 % that he would hit the aim and not lose his crown.

Still her lips felt as if a hundred ants were running on it.

When it happened it was just a short prushing of his lips on hers.

Lily blinked. It was over. So suddenly. And she had barely felt something.

Soo Won looked at her. She still had the impression that he was clearly unsure about the whole deal. She pressed his shoulder lightly .

Now the bond has been created"

Zeno nearly screamt beside her ear. Lily winced.

The little guy smiled at them broadly and welcoming. A crown had appeared in his hands. Where had this person hidden this petite ,delicately crafted piece? Lily didn t know.

Are you two ready for the next part?", he asked as if they were two little scared children. Soo Won s lips curved and she could also feel how she had to surpress the urge to laugh.

They had maybe really behaved like two frightened children rather than two grown-up people finally getting married,when they were so many younger folks taking that step.

They both looked at each other, the smile still on their lips, turning and finally facing the priest.

Zeno waited patiently this time with closed eyes and held the blinking, sparkling crown in his right hand.

Maybe it was the wind, when they turned to him, maybe it was the noise of their steps. Lily didn t know it, but the moment they both looked at the „priest". This person opened his eyes.

I hereby present to you,"

His hands encircled the delicate crown above his head. Lily just thought that the blue stone at the front of the crown had a very similar shade to Zeno s own eyes.

Lily, you have to bow your head," whispered Soo Won beside her and pressed lightly on her shoulder.

This time Lily did what she was told without any further questions.

The new Queen of Kouka."

The crown was pretty light. Lily had imagined a greater weight.

Soo Won took her hand and together they turned to the crowd, the people of Kouka.

They are waiting for you," Soo Won said and nodded. This must have been the sign!

The first of the Generals appeared. The first one to greet her was the Fire Tribe. The opposite of her own tribe ( and the person most likely completely opposite to her character).

Kan Kyoga looked as gloomy and unapproachable as ever.

Lily remembered that she had stood besides Tae Jun when she was younger and her father had pressured her to go to one of that many boring events...The fact in itself had been not that nasty safe for the fact that this guy used to be a person that had been just one inch away from being a creep.

But the creep had not been the problem, the problem had been his brother. A tall guy had appeared out of nowhere and screamt the hell out of both of them. She had been only a collateral damage, standing near the person who was „served the greatest bashing Lily would ever remember."

„He is just a very strict person," whispered Soo Won in her ear.

Lily presented him a dashing smile, but was not so sure about it, when she remembered the past scene….

Somehow that eased the situation a little. His stern face relaxed a little. Calmly he bowed.

Your Majesty," this person spoke, clearing his throat," I hereby declare that the Fire Tribe will be stay by your side and plege absolute loyalty to the throne."

He nodded.

There is a bird that strays from his plan," commented a small female person behind him.

Somehow Lily didn t really understood the context...who was that person? Was this his wife?

But wasn t she supposed to be more elegant? Has her informant lied to her? Kan Nevly, a strange woman that originated from the Kai Empire, though her family had „immigrated" to Kouka. People said that her family had been captives in the past. Their execution had been chancelled since the birth of his youngest son had given the king of two generations ago the opportunity to be merciful. Her family had bought itself into a good position.

Lily had been guessed that Kan Kyoga had married that woman merely due to her fortune, but it seemed as if their relationship was different.

Her hair was long and was flowing down her back.

Her earlier sentece must have been a sign between them, since Kan Kyoga bowed and added to his oath of loaylty : „ Congratulation on your wedding , your Majesty, your Majesty."

With one last bow he exited the stage.

After him...here he was...Her past love...The strong Geuntae...Even more dashing than he used to ever be….

This person s smile warmed her heart.

Congrats your Majesty, Congrats young Queen. It will be definitely a benefit for this country that you two are going to protect this country."

Geuntae bowed in front of them.

The Earth Tribe and I declare absolute loyalty to King Soo Won and Queen Lily."

Her heart felt a little strange, when she thought that every dream of being that man s wife wouldn t just be unrealistic anymore, it would be also treason.

From this day on she would be bond to Soo Won.

She caught herself in time before a sigh could even form in her heart.

Lily felt cold. It was a long day. She hoped that the day would be soon over, though she knew that this was merely the first step. The wedding would be a long lasting event.

Your Majesty, Congratulation on your wedding," said her father," My Queen." Her father nodded. Of course he was the one who had anticipated this event more than any other person. Not even Geuntae had been an as cunning marriage broker as her own father!

Did she feel bitter? She had chosen it herself. Not her father. She had chosen to take that route.

I will pledge the absolute loyalty of the Water Tribe to the King...", her father looked at Soo Won, then to her „ and the Queen of Kouka."

Lily still harboured some complicated feelings regarding her father. He was a person that forbid himself strong emotions and feelings. Yet he had cared for her and at the same time disregarded what she wished and wanted in her life, though he most likely had considered it a fair treatment. Women had less influence and were often treated like delicate flowers in Kouka, the country of flowers.

The last one was the Wind Tribe. Tae Woo looked not exactly pleased when he faced them. If she was not mistaken than that person adored Hak more than any other person in this world. At least every time his name had been brought up you could see how much love and pride lay in his eyes when he talked about his predecessor.

I will pledge loyalty to the throne of Kouka," he said with a displeased look in his eyes. He reminded her so much of General Judo that she would have nearly laughed, but was wise enough not to act on her impulse. However General Tae Woo might earn himself a little „special treatment" for that gloomy expression on his face.

Without further pleasantries General Tae Woo turned on his heels and excited the place. The crowd had become more lively. The time of the feast was near, however before that nice part of the wedding, she still had a task that she wished to accomplish.

So she cleared her throat and hoped that the people would start to notice her, however they didn t really pay attention any more.

You have fallen back in your bad habits," commented Soo Won.

Lily looked at him. He had „allowed" her to get the same „initation as a king". Usually the king and the queen are married and the queen is crowned. The end. The whole event with the Generals wasn t part of the common ceremony.

Nevertheless it wasn t that Lily thought that the queen didn t deserve it. She heavily disagreed that her only merit was her „ability to bear children".

That was why she had to talk with them. Had to make it clear, that she wasn t only a „royal womb".

Lily noticed that Soo Won stepped back. It wasn t a big deal, however it was a signal. So he at least supported her, even if his attempt was rather weak….

Breath in...Breath out...

„ People of Kouka," said Lily, she hoped her voice was loud enough, though usually her father complained about it. The murmur of the people at least died away…

People of Kouka, I am going to serve my country as best as I am capable of. With all my knowledge and all my abilities. I am going to protect this country with all my might."

It wasn t the most spectacular speech, but it was her honest determination. The difficulty was the message. What have they heard? What have they seen? A mere weak women or the ruler next to the king?

Lily didn t know, but she guessed that the probability for the second option was almost zero. She would have to earn the trust of the people, though they had been some people who had gifted her with that present. Eun-Mi...and

„Long live the Queen," she heard a pretty familiar voice shouting

...It couldn t be...She would have not dared to…

Her fiery red hair glowed within the crowd like a sun. Lily smiled.

She hadn t seen her since she had visited her in the Wind Tribe.

Lily had to admit that she had been afraid that Yona still harboured negative feelings concerning her marriage, since she hadn t seen her for quite a while.

Most likely she had been just busy and Soo Won had granted Yona a little free time with her family.

And those people also accompanied her. Hak stood just a step beside Yona, having their daughter on his shoulders.

Why the heck did they mingle with the rest of the crowd?!

How had that been possible? Yona was as flashy as one could be with that red hair of hers and the big eye-catching guy, not to forget the „bodyguards" - flamboyant was not even enough to express how much they stood out- beside her.

And of course it happened what was to be expected. The heads turned. More and more people recognized them.

Lily was even able to hear the murmur far ahead of the heads of the people, thanks to the eagerness of some people who haven t never heard of quiet voices and whose nick name must have been „chitty-chat".

It s her! That is the one…!"

Silly you, don t you know the „Princess?"

You mean, King, right?"

Lily hoped that the crowd wouldn t hurt Yona. Obviously worried she stepped down, before she ever had the hope to approach her friend, she felt a hand on her shoulder.

Furious was not even the right word for his facial expression. Soo Won seemed to emanate some kind of force - So palpable was his anger.

It would be better, if you stayed," he said. His voice was firm. This person didn t tolerate any objections. Lily sensed it, even though he had phrased it politely. Somehow this situation stirred a negative feeling in brought out the worst sides in him..

If she had been the girl from before she might have blundered, however she had experienced similar situations in the past…

Slowly she took his hand in hers and pressed it lghtly. Right now this person didn t think coherently anymore.

Your Majesty, I think it would be wiser if you might calm down before you face the crowd. It is just a mere agitation of the people and you don t wish for that situation to get beyond control, do you?," she said.

For now she accepted his lead. He was the souvereign and she had far less political power. Not only that. She had vowed to support him – and she intended to keep that promise, even though it didn t imply that she merely nodded her head to his decisions. This situation was dangerous and he must know that! This king was not a fool! Usually he was able to correctly assess an event and his meaning easily.

Thankfully Soo Won was not Dong-Geun, so his head started to work far quicker. Soo Won nodded.

„ The banquet will be held in the great hall," declared Soo Won.

It was almost amusing how that influenced the attention of some of the guests. At least the „minor folk" that was hungry and not as fat and full like the nobles and they pushed to the entrances at the side. Soo Won s words had at least deviated their attention long enough for Yona and her friends to flee the scene.

Soo Won turned as well and Lily followed him. They both excited the scene. It was not the best end of that situation, but it was definitely better than what Soo Won might have planned. At least Lily believed that. Men who were easy to anger shouldn t be trusted in that moments.

You didn t have to worry," he said, when she walked beside him. Surprised she turned to him. Had he read her thoughts?

The time when I have arrogantly believed that I could beat the gods are over," he said, though his tone did imply that this was a peace treaty for the gods. It sounded rather like a challenge in Lily s ears.

Then what are you going to do about it? Giving up?", she asked. One one hand she had said that to upset him, since he had demonstrated her so clearly how small her influence and power compared to his was and on the other hand she was simply curious.

„Who knows? I might be able to cozen or trick them," he said in a light tone as if he had told her a very funny story, but Lily was unsure. It didn t sound like a joke. Maybe she was wrong, after all, she had been mistaken about his temperament just a moment ago?

However the glance he directed at a far away aim...Yes this look didn t spoke of neither „giving up" nor „giving in".

An excitement bubbled up in her belly. Did her child feel it as well? The hope she had when she faced him? Whatever the future would bring, it would be an adventure. It was childish, yet it was something she had hoped to acquire in her life.


The banquet

Before the next step on the program there was still a little time. The first people were already present in the great hall and the rest would get his meal in the court. The servants would present the meals also to the many people who were unable to fit into the hall. And of course it would be the most influential people.

Eun-Mi had repeated her miracle a second time. This time she wore a fiery red dress and a red gem bound her hair. The hairpin was beautiful. It showed a flaming red rose whose ends shone in a slight blue light. Amethysts. This time her hair was coifed even more splendidly than the last time. Lily nearly thought it was a little too much. All those flowers in her hair. Still closed tiny flowers were braided in her hair and then done up in a huge wave, encircling her crown still sparkling on her head.

The young girl was working hard on dressing her up, and putting up her hair and refreshing her make up. Her face showed an expresson of deep concentration.

She hummed a song, Lily knew, but failed to name. It was at the tip of her tongue, but she was not able to remember the name. Was it a song of her childhood days?

Eun-Mi smiled at her and bowed at the end.

Lily reciprocated the smile. She was a nice girl and she wondered if she could talk to Soo Won if it was possible to keep her in her service.

With a song she had been reminded, and with music she was welcomed. A woman in a green dress played the Taegum. She sat perfectly still, when she cozed the instrument to bring out the heavy melody that shifted the air. The fingers of another woman in a yellow dress was sliding along the Gayageum. It had a fleeing feeling to it, yet the tune was vibrating strongly in the air. A third person stood beside the two other women sitting at the floor, her voice was high and sweet, chirping like a bird of paradise. At least Lily had wondered if this bird would sound exactly like this.

Around the three girls there were lots of finely dressed people. The nobility of Kouka was attending the marriage of their king. This person stood there at the center.

When the people recognized her, the crowd parted. What a weird situation. She nodded at them and tried to walk as gracefully as possible. Lily wished to please their eyes.

Let it be a spectacle. Let it be a miracle. Just this once. Lily, it won t be just for us. A marriage is an essential occurence that celebrates and strengthens the monarchy," had been Soo Won s words.

And you need it, don t you? Even if you are a good king and create a state beneficial to these people, there is still this old belief in their hearts." Lily had wished to tell him that but understood immediately that it was one of this thoughts you better keep to yourself.

The crown still rested on his head. This huge and finely crafted work of art spoke more than thousand words about the wealth and prosperty of the ancient Kouka.

I will reform Kouka kingdom into the strong country it was like the time of our ancestors."

These had been his words and it was still his intention. Kouka was already a strong country, however every turn of events could shift the earth and could riffle cards. How many strong empires had been crumbled upon the weight of their own shortcomings and not by the hands of their enemies?

And it was his duty as the king to ensure the future of this kingdom, until the day his heir would take out the scepter of his father s hands. Yet it could be that his successor was not necessarily his son.

Soo Won had been the one to take hold of the throne in one night, even though he had planned and wished for this event for the enirety of a decade. Well, it didn t sound as if the period had been that long. Just 10 years. But for a young person, 10 years had been longer than he had been alive when he found out. About his father.

And he had killed the previous king. The kind King Il. A good human being and Yona s father, yet a terrible king. Lily had never considered him a good king. What a sarcastic conclusion that the one who stole the throne was a better candidate for king, yet most likely a worse person.

She looked at him. Yet that doesn t mean that he was the wrong person. He seemed to be chatting idly with his subjects, wearing the usual polite smile he gifted nearly every average person with.

When he recognized her, he nodded and she joined him in the blink of an eye.

You re late, my dear wife," he said in a low voice and smiled at her, but the smile was void of any warmth, just a mere polite movement of his mouth. He seemed a little tired. Lily felt a little guilty since she had taken her time with her preparations and he had most likely attended the banquet up until now.

Though she guessed that it could be that the earlier situation could have come also into play to tear at his nerves.

Trying to be funny?," she whispered.

It was just a tiny gesture, when he squeezed her hand for a short amount of time, yet it eased her mind. It reassured her, which was funny considering this person had been actually the one to be down.

„Thank you," he said.

„Why?", she asked.

He smiled.

How many of the present person do you know?" he changed the topic.

You want to know if I remember the people you have mentioned before?" she asked.

With a short movement of his head he agreed.

Let me see...The person that stands besides the Fire Tribe General Kyoga is his wife Kan Nevly. She is from Kai Empire and got between the two states in one of their previous wars."

Soo Won nodded.

Correct. There is a rumour that she is pretty well-informed about the affairs in and outside of Kouka but up until now she had never appeared directly in front of me. However, this person along with her family attended various events in the past. My uncle is unsure regarding the loyalty of this family."

This mere statement puzzled her.

What is with her brothers? She has two brothers if I am not mistaken and I remember your papers correctly."

Indeed," Soo Won agreed.

Then why do you think that the older sister is the one behind their behaviour? Wouldn t it make mor sense to keep your eyes on the male figures? After all they are likely to have more influence and knowledge just due to the fact that...", Lily interrupted her speech herself.

She had gone to far, but still…

Thoughtfully Soo Won looked at her before he answered: „Indeed, however Kai Empire is not Kouka. They have a similar, but slightly different mentality and point of views. One of those discrepancies concerns their stance over the position of women inside of the society."

Lily knew that she must have looked anything than graceful right now, but she didn t care...Did he mean…!

Do women hold equal positions?" Lily voice was a little too loud and Soo Won looked worried.

Please lower your voice. I understand that you are agitated, since it is a different attitude than the one implented in Kouka, but nevertheless..."

Regarding your question...Surely women don t have the same rights and obligations as their male relatives, however there is certain evidence that there are more prominent female figures inside of Kai Empire than in Kouka. The princess of Kai Empire, for example, is said to influence the politics in South Kai, since she is able to shape the opinion of the Emperor..."

For a moment Lily didn t understand what he meant…

„So she is his concubine?", whispered Lily.

Soo Won blinked and stared at her.

„ His concubine?...The Princess Alinee is his daughter."

He turned around and pointed to another person, obviously puzzled by her earlier comment.

„ Do you know this person?" He pointed to a man in the crowd who stood beside…

„Isn t that person the Green Dragon Warrior," Lily asked, forgetting Soo Won s earlier chagrin.

„Actually I wished to…," said Soo Won, but Lily interrupted him.

„ Excuse me, Soo Won, but there is an urgent business...", she started her explanation.

Soo Won just shrugged his shoulders.

Go , I think it doesn t hurt if you wish to meet with her before the end of the wedding. This banquet will be long and end pretty late in the evening. So there is plenty of time, but please show your face during this event. It is necessary!"

Lily nodded and just wished to go and find Yona. She merely wished to ensure if her friend was alright and also...She glanced at Soo Won. Hak was here.

And the one person that shouldn t meet him...She had to make sure that those two didn t meet.

The Green Dragon, this flamboyant man...Was he really that old? He looked rather young with this huge white hut that hid his green hair, but Lily had seen him so often during the last couple of years that she was sure as hell that this person with the stupid looking white hut with that gorgeous green feather was in fact the Green Dragon Warrior.

In fact this person wasn t naive, dressing himself up so flashy, that everybody would remember his clothes, but less likely the man.

This man was already talking with a woman, Lily knew! It was her! Mi-Cha! The older sister of Soo Won! Next to her there was this other woman. Well if you knew the connection between them.

I love banquets," said Mi-Cha and grinned at Jae ha.

Should I be afraid?", asked the Green Dragon , while putting some meat into his mouth.

It depends," she said and took a bite of a sweet fruit, Lily couldn t recognize from her position.

Depend on what?", he said, while took a strand of her hair in his hands.

It depends if you have enough muscles to carry me,when I am an old fat hag who is still planning a conspirancy against her brother," she said putting the rest of the fruit into her mouth.

Mi-Cha!," said her mother.

Ooops, I meant my far away relative who is by no means closer related to me than Princess Yona with General Judo."

You shouldn t upset your mother so heavily, dear Mi," he said and took the cup beside him in order tho shield his mouth. Lily could imagine that he tried to hide a grin.

She opened her mouth, but nothing came out of it. For Lily it looked like she had wished to refute his comment, but somehow had wished to stay silent.

Lily approached them with quick steps, but Jae ha s next words prevented her from just barging in on them.

„ Do you still intend to do that, Mi-Cha? Shouldn t you tell your brother?", Jae ha shot her a certain look...It was an intense stare.

However, Mi-Cha just smiled innocently at him.

Stare me down as much as you want to, Jae ha. I won t change my mind. All I wish is to secure my own position and this boy won t hinder me."

Her eyes seemed nearly hostile. What a frightening person!

What should Soo Won, the king, know?," asked Lily.

She reciprocated the intense stare of Mi-Cha. Don t you dare play the victim here! I will get the information that I need fromyou!

I will tear the mask from you….

However, this person didn t seem to be impressed.

Congratulation your Majesty to your wedding. Dear uncle was so worried that Soo Won would never marry he would have barely thrown a girl at him. The sweet boy of course knew how to prevent this."

The smile she directed at Lily nearly seemed to mock her.

Your Majesty, you should soon run to your husband. It may be better for you," she said while the mocking smile still played on her lips.

The anger seemed nearly to suffocate her. This person. What kind of dirty game did she intend to play? Did she really think that she could just stare at her, throw a few insulting words to her head and she would just stop and run away?!

Mi-Cha. I think that is enough," Jae ha interfered, „ You have proven that you are a real „bad girl". Do you think that telling lies will get you anywhere?"

The glance he got for his comment...Oh...if looks were able to kill, Jae ha would lie there. Cold and dead.

Without any other word she turned around and left. Fleeing towards the door. And Jae ha that dumbass walked after her.

Oh no! She had wanted to ask the Dragon Warrior where Yona was! She had to go after them!

Before she excited, she threw a look back. Lady Juhee was still standing there, holding a cup of tea and smiling at her. The mother was just as dangerous as the daughter!

It was a little unreal. She, the Queen, a married woman was chasing a guy. A guy who was after another woman. At least this kind of view must have been presented to the people passing them by. Of course she didn t run. She merely marched as „elegantly" as a soldier was walking towards a battle.

She needed to find Yona. She needed to know what this crazy person conspired against Soo Won.

Hey Queen," shouted somebody behind her. The blonde haired youth followed her. Oh great. There was one more person!

Zeno! Where..", Lily started her question.

Queen, Queen, you don t want to ask that question here, are you?", he said with a flat voice.

When she looked around here, she understood that he was right. There were plenty of eyes on them. The guest of this event observed her, even though the nobles of Kouka wouldn t show their curiousity or goals that openly.

This small person approached her and drew so near that she was startled in the first moment.

He really had stunningly blue eyes. They seemed to be so vast like the sea.

Zeno neared his mouth until he nearly touched her ear. His wild mane was tickling her.

„ Why don t you ask the Mr.?"

Perplexed she asked: „ Who?"

Look behind you. Please no sudden movements, your Majesty. That would be rather unwise given the situation."

Lily nodded.

Aren t you afraid that people will misunderstand your intentions?," whispered Lily.

Zeno smiled.

There are two kinds of attentions, your Majesty. Sometimes it is a desirable state."

Lily still wondered, what this person could have meant, when she turned around.

Ah. Of course. That Mr.

Just in front of her was a small child with black hair. She hold a ball in her hands. When she noticed Lily, she stopped, still holding on to her ball and stared at Lily.

You are Bora, right?" , asked Lily.